How OpenAI's Effingham Data Center Moved Forward Without Public Input
OpenAI announced plans for a $20 billion data center campus, Project Camellia, in Effingham County, Georgia, sparking public outcry over a lack of transparency and prior public input. Years of land deals, existing industrial zoning, a 2016 development agreement, and confidentiality agreements enabled the project to advance without public knowledge until its official announcement. The project now faces site plan review and further public meetings.
OpenAI has announced plans for a $20 billion Project Camellia data center campus on 1,400 acres within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub in Effingham County, Georgia. The announcement, made on July 22, was immediately followed by a public information open house where residents of Rincon, Ga., expressed significant concerns about the lack of transparency, stating they felt blindsided by the project's advanced stage.
The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) and county officials explained that the project's progression without prior public input was due to several long-standing factors. These include the ECIDA's acquisition of the land in 2006, a 2016 development agreement with Broe Real Estate Group and OmniTRAX that designated them as master developers with broad authority, and confidentiality agreements signed between the ECIDA and OpenAI. Brandt Herndon, CEO of the ECIDA, stated that NDAs are standard practice in economic development.
Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan clarified that the Savannah Gateway property has been zoned for industrial development since 2006, and county commissioners in January 2025 specifically listed data centers as a permitted use in light industrial zoning districts. This meant the OpenAI project did not require a rezoning or change in use classification. The ECIDA also approved a 15-year, 50% property tax abatement for OpenAI the evening before the public announcement.
The project is now entering the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) application process with the Coastal Regional Commission, which is expected to take about 45 days. Following this, the project's site plan will be submitted for review by county staff and then considered by the Board of Commissioners. OpenAI officials, including Chief Policy Officer Chris Lehane, have indicated a willingness to engage with the community and seek input as the project moves forward.